Gambling Wyoming
Legalized sports betting has yet to make it to the Equality State.
The Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned on May 14, 2018, allowing each state to propose and create their own laws and regulations for sports betting.
Since then, only one bill, HB 225, was introduced to legalize sports betting, though little progress has been made.
The Wyoming State House and Senate are holding more hearings this week on HB0284 and SF0132, the bills that set up an expansion of government that could cost $3 million per year, and add a new government agency with as many as 50 new government employees - all while burdening charities with new fees, taxes, and mountains of paperwork.
Wyoming is not a place steeped in gambling history, only introducing a state lottery in 2013. Even tribal casinos are relatively new, only being granted permission to operate in 2005.
- Strictly speaking, gambling is illegal in Wyoming. However, in recent years, lawmakers approved a state lottery. There are two horse racing tracks in the state, Sweetwater Downs and Wyoming Downs. Pari-mutuel wagering on the races are legal at these tracks.
- 789 Casino Grill. 10369 Hwy 789 Riverton, WY. 789 Smoke Shop & Casino. 10369 Hwy 789 Riverton, WY. Little Wind Casino. 693 Blue Sky Hwy Ethete, WY. Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel. 5690 Hwy 287 Lander, WY. Wind River Hotel & Casino. 180 Red Wolf Place Riverton, WY.
- Gambling has expanded in Wyoming thanks to the 'Historic Racing' legislation signed into law in 2013. Historic Racing is pari-mutuel betting on previously run horse races. The player is given certain data to make informed handicapping decisions but the race track and horse names are withheld until after the historic event is completed.
- The Wyoming Gaming Commission will maintain public confidence in the integrity of the gaming environment by operating in a fair and diligent manner and will be responsive, proactive and known for our expertise, efficiency and professionalism, while responding effectively to the evolving gaming industry.
That said, Wyoming residents can still gamble on things like bingo, raffles, horse and dog racing, and daily fantasy, as well as slots, table games, and live poker at tribal casinos. The largest of these casinos is the Wind River Hotel & Casino, which offers over 800 slot machines, ten table games, and a poker room.
While legal sports betting may not be approved yet in Wyoming, residents in the state’s northern and southern regions can make a short trip to neighboring states that have moved to legalize. Both Montana and Colorado have introduced legal sports betting in their states.
When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Wyoming?
While legal sports betting may one day arrive in Wyoming, it may still be some time away. 2020 saw House bill 225 put forth for consideration of legal sports betting. However, it did not get the votes in the legislature (27-32) to move forward. The bill called for not allowing prop bets on college sports or any game involving a college team from Wyoming. It was also only proposing the legalization of online sports betting versus in-person or retail wagering. The bill proposed a 16% tax rate for operators and 18 as the legal gambling age.
Several voters who were against 2020’s sports betting bill are also against expanded gambling in general. If sports betting is legalized sometime soon, Wyoming has very few locations that could offer retail betting. Additionally, Wyoming is not a huge sports area with no major sports teams participating in the top leagues.
However, the state is always looking for additional revenue and may elect to keep gambling dollars in-state. Rep. Tom Walters’ re-election could be key in progressing the legal sports betting agenda as he has already stated he will propose another bill.
Wyoming Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Wyoming?
Despite PASPA being overturned in 2018, there are currently no active bills on the table to legalize sports betting in Wyoming.
How many casinos are in Wyoming?
Gambling In Cheyenne Wyoming
There are only four casinos in Wyoming, with the Wind River Hotel & Casino being the largest.
What is Wyoming known for?
Gambling Wyoming
In 1869 Wyoming became the first state to allow women voting rights, thus becoming known as the Equality State. The very first national monument (Devil’s Tower) in the US was also established in 1906.